SNL UK Announces Hosts Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, and Riz Ahmed for Sky Premiere
The British adaptation of the iconic US comedy series Saturday Night Live is set to launch on Sky later this month, with Sky confirming the hosts for the first three episodes. American comedy legend Tina Fey will headline the opening episode, bringing her extensive SNL experience as a former head writer and frequent guest.
Star-Studded Line-Up and Musical Guests
Tina Fey, renowned for creating and starring in Mean Girls and winning Golden Globe and Emmy awards, will be joined by indie band Wet Leg as the musical guest for the premiere. Following this, actor Jamie Dornan, known for roles in 50 Shades of Grey and The Fall, will host the second episode, accompanied by British rock group Wolf Alice, a two-time Brit Award winner.
For the third episode, BAFTA and Oscar-nominated actor Riz Ahmed, famous for Sound of Metal and Four Lions, will take the helm, with rock band Kasabian performing as the musical guest. SNL UK will consist of six weekly episodes airing on Sky One, premiering on Saturday, March 21.
Writing Team and Production Details
The show features a diverse writing team led by head writer Jonno Johnson and weekend update head writer Charlie Skelton, whose credits include 10 O’Clock Live and 8 Out of 10 Cats. The team includes seasoned professionals like Have I Got News For You writer Bella Hull and emerging talents such as Gráinne Maguire from The Last Leg and Horrible Science’s Hari Kanth.
Other writers include Al Roberts, Ayo Adenekan, Celya AB, Chris Cantrill, Ellie Fulcher, James Farmer, Joseph Moore, Keith Akushie, Laura Claxton, Lorna Rose Treen, Louis Waymouth, Nathan Foad, Omar Badawy, and Omodara Olatunji. Johnson expressed excitement, stating the mix of experienced and new writers makes the project uniquely compelling.
Audience Reaction and Sky’s Promotion
A teaser for SNL UK released on March 6 has garnered over 3 million views on YouTube, sparking enthusiastic comments from viewers. One fan exclaimed excitement about Tina Fey hosting the debut, while others praised the fresh cast and expressed hope for the show’s success in the UK market. Some noted the intro’s focus on relatable British nightlife over glamorous settings, adding to the authenticity.
Sky executive Phil Edgar Jones OBE highlighted the team’s efforts, mentioning that table reads have been hilariously successful, building anticipation for the premiere. The show aims to deliver a blend of sketch comedy and musical performances, leveraging Sky’s platform to reach a broad audience.
SNL UK premieres on Sky One on March 21, offering a new comedic experience for British viewers eager for laughter and entertainment.
